Cyprus Summit: EU leaders discuss on US-Iran, Strait of Hormuz

Today (April 24, 2026) Leaders from the EU's 27 member states gathered in Cyprus SUMMIT 2026 to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing the bloc, including the conflicts involving Iran that the world is currently facing, which has affected global energy security. President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria, and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan will all be present at the summit to discuss the situation in Lebanon, where a ceasefire has been announced to end the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Evika Silina, the Prime Minister of Latvia, said that "as a European Union, it is important that we discuss what to do with the Strait of Hormuz," citing the European Commission's inability to effectively address the escalating costs of energy and oil.

According to Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, the leaders will talk about the Middle East conflict's effects on the local population in terms of destruction and casualties as well as its effects on the world economy. “IMF forecasts are downgrading economic growth across the world and so it's extremely important that we get that conflict ended as well," he said.

Meanwhile, Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy leader, stressed in an interview that talks with Iran should involve nuclear experts; else, "we will end up with a dangerous Iran." She noted that if nuclear negotiations do not include nuclear specialists, the agreement will be weaker than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up oil prices and sparked concerns about possible fuel shortages for some European aircraft. Approximately 20% of the EU's jet fuel is imported via this crucial waterway. However, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the 10-day ceasefire, which had previously been prolonged for more than three weeks, will be postponed.

SOURCE: DW, Reuters